Washing machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises: an inner tub for receiving laundry; a first pulsator rotatably disposed in the inner tub; a body which has a ring shape and is coupled to the first pulsator; and a second pulsator having a cover which is disposed on the body, wherein each of the body and the cover has multiple arc-shaped members arranged in order along a circle, thereby facilitating the service work by the second pulsator.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a washing machine and, more particularly, to a washing machine in which a pulsator has been rotatably disposed.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a washing machine is a machine for removing grime attached to clothes or bedclothes (hereinafter referred to as fabrics) by providing mechanical actions using electricity. Grime attached to fabrics is detached from the fabrics by a chemical action of a detergent contained in washing water. The washing machine has a long time taken to remove grime attached to fabrics by only the action of a detergent, but can easily and rapidly remove grime by forcedly generating a stream of water and applying a mechanical action, such as friction or vibration.

The washing machine may be basically divided into a twin type washing machine, a pulsator type washing machine, and a drum washing machine.

In the pulsator type washing machine, an inner tub in which fabrics are accepted inside an outer tub having water contained therein is rotatably disposed. A pulsator is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the inner tub inside the inner tub to form a stream of rotating water. The top of the outer tub and the top of the inner tub are open, so fabrics can enter or exit from the top of the washing machine.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

A conventional washing machine has inconveniences in that an external drawing task for a second pulsator is not easy because a second pulsator includes a single doughnut-shaped washing plate and the second pulsator interferes with an instrument disposed on the upper part of an inner tub when a pulsator is externally taken out for the service task of the pulsator, and an instrument disposed on the upper part of the inner tub has to be disassembled in order to draw out the second pulsator.

Technical Solution

The present invention for accomplishing the above object includes an inner tub in which fabrics are accepted; a first pulsator rotatably disposed in the inner tub; a second pulsator comprising a body which has a ring shape and is coupled to the first pulsator and a cover disposed over the body, wherein each of the body and the cover has a plurality of arc-shaped members sequentially disposed along a circle.

A balancer may be disposed over the inner tub, the outer diameter of the first pulsator may be smaller than the inner diameter of the balancer, and the outer diameter of the second pulsator may be greater than the inner diameter of the balancer.

The present invention includes an inner tub in which fabrics are accepted; a balancer disposed over the inner tub; a first pulsator comprising a main pulsator plate rotatably disposed in the inner tub and a main pulsator cover disposed over the main pulsator plate; and a second pulsator comprising a body which has a ring shape in which a hollow portion facing at least part of the main pulsator plate has been formed and is coupled to the main pulsator plate and a cover disposed over the body, wherein the outer diameter of the first pulsator is smaller than an inner diameter of the balancer, the outer diameter of the second pulsator is greater than the inner diameter of the balancer, and each of the body and the cover has a plurality of arc-shaped members sequentially disposed along a circle. Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members may have a central angle of more than 90° and less than 180°.

A connection part coupled to a connector may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

A fastening part fixed by a fastening member may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

A fastening part fixed to the first pulsator by a fastening member may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members may have a central angle of more than 90° and less than 180°.

A connection part coupled to a connector may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

A fastening part fixed by a fastening member may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

A fastening part fixed to the first pulsator by a fastening member may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.

Advantageous Effects

The present invention has an advantage in that a service task for the second pulsator is convenient because the inner tub can be externally taken out by separating the second pulsator without a need to dismantle an instrument, such as the balancer disposed on top of the inner tub, when the service task of the second pulsator is performed.

Furthermore, the present invention has advantages in that the plurality of arc-shaped members of the second pulsator can be assembled within the inner tub by inserting them into the inner tub in the state in which an instrument, such as the balancer, has been installed on the inner tub when an assembly task for the second pulsator is performed, and convenience of the assembly task is high.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of major elements of an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsator of an embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing that a body and a cover shown in FIG. 2 are exploded.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pulsator of an embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing that a second pulsator of another embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention is coupled.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of major elements of an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsator of an embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing that a body and a cover shown in FIG. 2 are exploded, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pulsator of an embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention.

The washing machine according to the present embodiment includes an inner tub 2 in which fabrics are accepted and a pulsator 4 disposed on the inner tub 2.

The inner tub 2 may be located within a casing 6. The casing 6 may form an outward appearance of the washing machine. The casing 6 may include a base 11, a casing body 12 disposed on the top of the base 11 and forming an outward appearance of the circumference of the washing machine, and a top plate 13 disposed on the top of the casing body 12.

A fabric entrance 14 through which fabrics can enter or exit may be formed in the top plate 13. A lead 15 capable of opening or shutting the fabric entrance 14 may be installed on the top plate 13. A control panel 16 for manipulating the washing machine may be installed on the casing 6.

An outer tub 8 may be disposed within the casing 6. The outer tub 8 may contain washing water for the washing of fabrics. An opening part 21 through which fabrics can enter or exit may be formed at the top of the outer tub 8. A motor 22 capable of generating a driving force that rotates the pulsator 4 may be installed on the outer tub 8. A washing shaft may be connected to the pulsator 4, and a dehydration shaft may be connected to the inner tub 2. The washing machine may further include a clutch mechanism (not shown) for transferring the turning force of the motor 22 to only the washing shaft of the washing shaft and the dehydration shaft or transferring the turning force to both the washing shaft and the dehydration shaft.

The inner tub 2 may be located within the casing 6. The inner tub 2 may be formed to have a smaller size than the outer tub 8 and may be disposed inside the outer tub 8. The outer tub 8 may function as an outer container in which washing water is contained, and the inner tub 2 may function as an inner container in which fabrics are washed by washing water. The inner tub 2 may have the top open. The inner tub 2 may include an inner tub base 31 having the top open and an inner tub body 32 coupled to the top of the inner tub base 31. The inner tub body 32 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical body shape. A water hole 33 through washing water enters or exits may be formed in the inner tub body 32. A balancer 34 may be installed on the top of the inner tub body 32. The balancer 34 may be an instrument installed on the upper part of the inner tub 2. The balancer 34 may be an auto balancer in which a fluid, such as salt water, is contained, and can minimize the vibration of the inner tub 2 on the upper side of the inner tub 2. The balancer 34 may be formed in a generally ring shape. Part of the balancer 34 may be located on the upper side of the inner tub body 32 on the inside thereof. The inner diameter D2 of the balancer 34 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tub body 32.

The pulsator 4 is rotated within the inner tub 2, thus being capable of forming a stream of rotating water. The pulsator 4 may consist of an assembly body of at least two members.

The pulsator 4 includes a first pulsator 52 and a second pulsator 54. The outer diameter of the pulsator 4 may be greater than the inner diameter D2 of the balancer 34. The outer diameter D1 of the first pulsator 52 may be smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the balancer 34.

The first pulsator 52 may be a main pulsator rotated at the bottom of the inner tub 2 on the inside thereof. The first pulsator 52 may be rotatably disposed in the inner tub 2 and may be located approximately at the center of the inner tub 2 at the bottom of the inner tub 2 on the inside thereof. The first pulsator 52 may be formed in a generally disk shape and may include at least one wing part that is upward protruded. The first pulsator 52 may consist of the assembly body of at least two members having different materials. The first pulsator 52 may include a main pulsator plate 60 rotatably disposed in the inner tub 2 and a main pulsator cover 70 disposed on top of the main pulsator plate 60. The main pulsator cover 70 may cover the top surface of the main pulsator plate 60 and may cover the main pulsator plate 60 when viewed from the top.

The main pulsator plate 60 and the main pulsator cover 70 may be made of different materials. The main pulsator plate 60 that belongs to the main pulsator plate 60 and the main pulsator cover 70 and that is located on the lower side may be made of a synthetic resin material. The main pulsator cover 70 that belongs to the main pulsator plate 60 and the main pulsator cover 70 and that is located on the upper side may be made of a metal material. The main pulsator plate 60 may be made of a polypropylene (PP) material. The main pulsator cover 70 may be made of a steel or aluminum material.

The main pulsator plate 60 may include a disk body 61. Water holes 62 through which washing water can pass may be formed in the main pulsator plate 60. A protruding part 63 that is upward protruded may be formed in the main pulsator plate 60. A hub part 64 may be formed at the center of the main pulsator plate 60 in such a way as to be upward protruded. A rotating shaft through hole 65 through which the rotating shaft penetrates may be formed at the top end of the hub part 64. A plurality of the protruding parts 63 may be formed radially with respect to the hub part 64. The water holes 62, protruding part 63, and hub part 64 of the main pulsator plate 60 may be formed in the disk body 61 of the main pulsator plate 60.

The main pulsator cover 70 may have a shape and structure similar to the main pulsator plate 60. The main pulsator cover 70 may include a disk body 71. A water hole 72 through which washing water can pass may be formed in the main pulsator cover 70. A wing part 73 that is upward protruded may be formed in the main pulsator cover 70. The wing part 73 may have a shape generally identical with that of the protruding part 63 of the main pulsator plate 60. The wing part 73 may be formed to be greater than the protruding part 63 of the main pulsator plate 60. The wing part 73 may be seated in the protruding part 63 of the main pulsator plate 60, and the shape of the wing part 73 may be matched with that of the protruding part 63 of the main pulsator plate 60. A hub part 74 may be formed at the center of the main pulsator cover 70 in such a way as to be upward protruded. The hub part 74 of the main pulsator cover 70 may be formed to be greater than the hub part 64 of the main pulsator plate 60. A mounting hole on which a rotating shaft holder (not shown) for fixing the rotating shaft passing through the main pulsator plate 60 has been mounted may be formed in the hub part 74 of the main pulsator cover 70. The water holes 72, wing part 73, and hub part 74 of the pulsator cover 70 may be formed in the disk body 71 of the main pulsator cover 70.

The second pulsator 54 may form a stream of rotating water along with the first pulsator 52. The second pulsator 54 may be located in the periphery of the first pulsator 54. The second pulsator 54 may surround the outer circumference of the first pulsator 54. The first pulsator 52 and the second pulsator 54 may be located inside and outside around the central axis of the inner tub 2. At least part of the second pulsator 54 may be located between the outer circumference of the first pulsator 52 and the inner wall of the inner tub 2. The outer diameter D3 of the second pulsator 54 may be the outer diameter of the pulsator 4 and may be greater than the inner diameter D2 of the balancer 34. The second pulsator 54 may be coupled to the first pulsator 52 and rotated along with the first pulsator 52. The second pulsator 54 may be separated from the first pulsator 52. The second pulsator 54 may be separated from the first pulsator 52 when the pulsator 4 is disassembled.

The second pulsator 54 may be formed in a ring shape that is generally hollow. The second pulsator 54 may include at least one wing part that is upward protruded. The second pulsator 54 may consist of the assembly body of at least two members made having different materials. The second pulsator 54 may have a body 80 having a ring shape and coupled to the first pulsator 52 and a cover 90 disposed on top of the body 80.

The body 80 may be a ring shape in which a hollow portion 01 facing at least part of the main pulsator plate 60 has been formed. The cover 90 may have a shape corresponding to the body 80. The cover 90 may be formed in a ring shape like the body 80. The cover 90 may be a ring shape in which a hollow portion 02 has been formed like the body 80. The cover 90 may cover the top surface of the body 80 and may cover the body 80 when viewed from the top. The body 80 may become a sub-pulsator plate compared to the main pulsator plate 60, and the cover 90 may become a sub-pulsator cover compared to the main pulsator cover 70. In the pulsator 4, if the main pulsator plate 60 is an inner pulsator plate, the body 80 may become an outer pulsator plate. In the pulsator 4, if the main pulsator cover 70 is an inner pulsator cover, the cover 90 may become an outer pulsator cover.

The body 80 and the cover 90 may be made of different materials. The body 80 that belongs to the body 80 and the cover 90 and that is disposed on the lower side may be made of a synthetic resin material. The cover 90 that belongs to the body 80 and the cover 90 and that is disposed on the upper side may be made of a metal material. The body 80 may be made of a polypropylene (PP) material, and the cover 90 may be made of a steel or aluminum material.

The cover 90 may be fit into and coupled to the body 80. A fitting part into which part of the cover 90 is inserted and fit may be formed in the body 80.

Each of the body 80 and the cover 90 may consist of the assembly body of a plurality of members. When the second pulsator 54 is disassembled, the plurality of members may be separated and thus taken out to the outside of the washing machine. When the second pulsator 54 is mounted, the plurality of members of each of the body 80 and the cover 90 may be inserted into the washing machine and coupled together inside the inner tub 2.

Each of the body 80 and the cover 90 may include a plurality of arc-shaped members. The plurality of arc-shaped members may be sequentially disposed along a circle O.

The plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be sequentially disposed along the circle O. When the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 is combined, the body 80 may generally have a ring shape. Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be a unit body. A plurality of the unit bodies may be sequentially coupled to form the single body 80. When all of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 are combined, the opening part O1 may be formed in the middle of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83.

As in the body 80, the plurality of arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the cover 90 may be sequentially disposed along the circle O. When the plurality of arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 is combined, the cover 90 may generally have a ring shape. Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the cover 90 may be a unit cover. When the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 is coupled in a ring shape, such unit covers may form the single cover 90. As in the body 80, the opening part 02 may be formed in the middle of the plurality of arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the cover 90.

The plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be directly coupled and integrated. A connection part may be formed at the end of each of plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. If the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body 80 is directly combined, a protrusion may be protruded into the coupling part of one of two neighboring arc-shaped members, and a protrusion insertion hole into which the protrusion is inserted and fit may be formed in the coupling part of the other of the two neighboring arc-shaped members. If one and the other of two neighboring arc-shaped members of the body 80 are directly connected by the protrusion and the protrusion insertion hole, the number of parts can be minimized.

The body 80 may further include a connector 86 that connects the plurality of arc-shaped members. Connection parts 84 and 85 coupled to connector 86 may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. The connection parts 84 and 85 may be formed at the respective ends of each of the arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83. Two arc-shaped members may be connected by the single connector 86. When the two arc-shaped members are connected to the connector 86, the length of arc may be increased. The body 80 may have an arc shape gradually closer to a ring shape if the number of arc-shaped members that are sequentially connected is increased. Protrusions 84A and 85A formed in one of the connection parts 84 and 85 and the connector 86 may be inserted into and coupled to the fitting grooves 86A and 86B of a protrusion formed in the other of the connection parts 84 and 85 and the connector 86.

A fastening part 87 coupled to the first pulsator 52 by a fastening member S1, such as a screw, may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. The fastening part 87 may be formed in such a way as to be protruded toward the inside surface of the inside surface and outside surfaces of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. The fastening part 87 may be protruded toward the hollow portion 01 of the body 80 when the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 is coupled to form the single body 80. A fastening member fixing hole through which the fastening member S1 penetrates may be formed in the fastening part 87. Meanwhile, an inner fastening part 69 to which the fastening member S1 is coupled may be formed at a location corresponding to the fastening part 87 of the body 80 in the first pulsator 52, more specifically, the main pulsator plate 60.

A protruding part 88 may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. The protruding parts 88 may be lengthily formed in the circumference direction of the body 80. The protruding part 88 may have a height increasing toward the outside of the body 80 in the radius direction thereof. A plurality of the protruding parts 88 of the body 80 may be formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80.

A fitting part 89 into which part of the arc-shaped member of the cover 90 is inserted and fit may be depressed and formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80. The fitting parts 89 may be lengthily formed in the circumference direction of the body 80. When all of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 are combined, the fitting part 89 may be formed in a generally ring shape.

Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may have a central angle θ° of more than 90° and less than 180°. The three arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be sequentially combined. When the three arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 8 are combined, they may form the single body 80. All of the three arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 may have the same length and may have the same structure, and the parts of the three arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 may be used in common. The body 80 may have an arc shape closer to a ring shape as the number of combined arc-shaped members increases. When all of the arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 are combined, the body 80 may have a ring shape.

Each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the body 90 may have a central angle θ° of more than 90° and less than 180°. The number of arc-shaped members of the cover 90 may be the same as that of the body 80. If the body 80 includes three arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83, the body 90 may also include three arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93. The arc-shaped members of the cover 90 may be inserted and combined with the arc-shaped members of the body 80. The arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be lower arc-shaped members, and the arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the body 90 may be upper arc-shaped members. The upper arc-shaped members may correspond to the lower arc-shaped members in a one-to-one manner. The upper arc-shaped members may be assembled with or dissembled from the second pulsator 54 in the state in which they have been integrated and combined with the lower arc-shaped members.

An outer wing part 98 corresponding to the protruding part 88 formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members 81, 82, and 83 of the body 80 may be formed in each of the arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the body 90. The outer wing part 98 may be located over the protruding part 88 of the body 80. The outer wing part 98 may have a greater size than the protruding part 88 of the body 80, and the shape of the outer wing part 98 may be matched with the protruding part 88 of the body 80. The outer wing parts 98 of the cover 90 may be lengthily formed in the circumference direction of the cover 90. A plurality of the outer wing parts 98 of the cover 90 may be formed in each of the arc-shaped members 91, 92, and 93 of the body 90.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing that a second pulsator of another embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention is coupled.

hi the washing machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of the arc-shaped members of the body 80 may be coupled together by a fastening member S2, such as a screw. Fixing parts 84′ and 85′ coupled by the fastening member S2 may be formed in each of the arc-shaped members of the body 80.

The fastening parts 84′ and 85′ may include a first fastening part 84′ formed on one side of each of the arc-shaped members and a second fastening parts 85′ formed on the other side of each of the arc-shaped members.

The first fastening parts 84′ formed in one 82 of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body 80 may be located to overlap the second fastening parts 85′ formed in the other 83 of the plurality of arc-shaped members up and down. The fastening members S2 may be sequentially coupled to fixing holes 84A formed in the first fastening parts 84′ and fixing holes 85A formed in the second fastening parts 85′, thus being capable of combining the two neighboring arc-shaped members 82 and 83. In such a case, a separate connector, such as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, may not be required. 

1. A washing machine, comprising: an inner tub in which fabrics are accepted; a first pulsator rotatably disposed in the inner tub; a second pulsator comprising a body which has a ring shape and is coupled to the first pulsator and a cover disposed over the body, wherein each of the body and the cover has a plurality of arc-shaped members sequentially disposed along a circle.
 2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of arc-shaped members has a central angle of more than 90° and less than 180°.
 3. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a balancer disposed over the inner tub, wherein: an outer diameter of the first pulsator is smaller than an inner diameter of the balancer, and the outer diameter of the second pulsator is greater than the inner diameter of the balancer.
 4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a connection part coupled to a connector is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.
 5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a fastening part fixed by a fastening member is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.
 6. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a fastening part fixed to the first pulsator by a fastening member is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.
 7. A washing machine, comprising: an inner tub in which fabrics are accepted; a balancer disposed over the inner tub; a first pulsator comprising a main pulsator plate rotatably disposed in the inner tub and a main pulsator cover disposed over the main pulsator plate; and a second pulsator comprising a body which has a ring shape in which a hollow portion facing at least part of the main pulsator plate has been formed and is coupled to the main pulsator plate and a cover disposed over the body, wherein an outer diameter of the first pulsator is smaller than an inner diameter of the balancer, an outer diameter of the second pulsator is greater than the inner diameter of the balancer, and each of the body and the cover has a plurality of arc-shaped members sequentially disposed along a circle.
 8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of arc-shaped members has a central angle of more than 90° and less than 180°.
 9. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein a connection part coupled to a connector is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.
 10. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein a fastening part fixed by a fastening member is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body.
 11. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein a fastening part fixed to the first pulsator by a fastening member is formed in each of the plurality of arc-shaped members of the body. 